Coppola, who wrote and directed James Franco’s “Palo Alto,” will direct from a script by Merritt Johnson, whose credits include “Temple Grandin” and “In Treatment.”

“The Secret Life of the Lonely Doll” is the story of Dare Wright, who became well-known in the 1950s thanks to her best-selling children’s book “The Lonely Doll.” Journalist Jean Nathan found Wright living in a public hospital in Queens four decades later, and her book pieces together Wright’s bizarre life of glamour and isolation, and her struggle to escape her painful childhood through her art. Wright passed away in 2001 at the age of 86.

“Rodrigo and I have been fans of and have worked with Merritt, Jessica and Naomi before,” said Jon Avnet. “Jean Nathan’s unique piece is a great vehicle for a reunion and chance for Gia Coppola to make a very distinctive film.”

Lange has given some great performances, but is it only me that thinks she always looks half loaded in her latter years? I don’t think she is, but she just has a drowsy unfocused look much of the time, especially in photographs.